Weekly Meditation


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  • Weekly Meditation February 22, 2010
    Posted: 2/22/2010
    Prayer, fasting and works of charity are three realities we automatically connect with Lent. St. John Chrysostom (347-407), one of the early Church Fathers, received the surname Chrysostom, meaning golden-mouthed, because he was such an eloquent preacher. Reflect on a few words from one of his homilies on prayer.

    Prayer and converse with God is a supreme good: it is a partnership and union with God. As the eyes of the body are enlightened when they see light, so our spirit, when it is intent on God, is illumined by his infinite light. I do not mean the prayer of outward observance but prayer from the heart, not confined to fixed times or periods but continuous throughout the day and night.

    Prayer stands before God as an honored ambassador. It gives joy to the spirit, peace to the heart. I speak of prayer, not words. It is the longing for God, love too deep for words, a gift not given by man but by God's grace. The apostle Paul says: We do not know how we are to pray but the Spirit himself pleads for us with inexpressible longings.

    Holy Spirit, guide our prayer during this season of Lent. Help us to long for this gift of grace for our peace and joy. Help us to persevere these days of Lent with love and sincerity.

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